News

Consider visiting a minor injury unit instead of A&E, patients asked

PATIENTS in Worcestershire who have suffered minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, sprains and minor burns are being asked to help ease the pressure on A&E departments by visiting a minor injury unit instead.

A recent poll by Healthwatch England found two thirds of people in the country were worried about pressures on hospitals but 18 per cent admitted visiting A&E for non-emergency care outside GP opening hours.

In an effort to fight the problem Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is urging people to consider visiting one of the five Minor Injury Units in the county in Malvern, Evesham, Tenbury, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster Hospital.

Waiting times at each unit are generally less than 20 minutes and it is likely the total time spent in a visit - including travel - will be less than that spent at A&E.

Community care lead with Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Matt Stringer said: "If more people with minor injuries use this service it would free up capacity at A&E so our colleagues there can support those people who do need emergency care.

"If you are unsure whether your injury can be treated at an MIU then you can call in advance and a member of staff will be able to advise.”

For more details on Minor Injury Units in Worcestershire visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/our-services/minor-injuries-units/